To address the ongoing financial challenges faced by the institution, Nelson Mandela Bay’s cherished Malabar Old Age Home recently introduced several income-generating initiatives that will combat the challenges they face.
The home has embarked on alternatives to ensure sustainability and continued support for its residents, to limit its challenges.
The residents of the home face escalating financial challenges. Some residents’ pensions are not enough to cover their expenses, while others are unable to pay required supplementary fees.
According to former voluntary Chairman of Malabar Home of the Aged, Mogan Segadavan, to supplement the home’s income they have opened a charity shop on its premises, where the community can donate clothes for the home to sell.
“This helps the home to generate additional funds and encourages community involvement and support,” said Segadavan.
They have also opened their facilities for hire to events and gatherings, where they provide tables and chairs as well.
“The home also started an initiative called 365-Meal. This initiative allows donors the opportunity to choose a specific day when they sponsor a resident’s meal cost in celebration of a particular event, be it birthdays or graduations,” Segadavan added.
This initiative allows donors to have a bigger impact on the residents, and provides a steady contribution stream.
In a heartwarming display of community spirit, the Woolhope High School matric class of 1979 donated a washing machine to the Malabar Home for the Aged.
“The home has always been close to our hearts because our school is across the road from the home,” said Adam Hussain, speaking on behalf of the former students.
The efforts to engage the community in supporting the home, as well as ensuring its residents receive the care that they need in their twilight years, is part of a larger campaign. The home invites the community at large, as well as businesses, to participate in these initiatives and contribute to the residents’ well-being.
Those interested in making a difference in the lives of the Malabar Old Age Home residents through donations and participation in their initiatives can email the home at donations@malabarhome.org, or visit the home at 19 Saliehout Street, Malabar. Alternatively, contact the office on 041 457 5805.
